Yes, I'm not kidding. Of course, this picture could easily have been photo-shopped, but it doesn't matter. The Blue in this viola was more about the music that came out of it, and the story related to it, which were both stunningly on display at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth this week. LOON, or Lyric Opera of the North, the Twin Port's professional opera company, took a risk in producing a really new opera (Blue Viola, composed by Peter Hilliad with a libretto by Matt Boresi). It must have been the first time a fully staged opera had been performed in that space, let alone one that is barely a year old. And, to top it off, one of the original performers recreated his role, and the composer and librettist were in attendance!​The story follows a lost Montagnana viola, from its discovery on a park bench by a junk dealer, to the hands of a murderess, to the owner of a sandwich shop, and finally to an instrument appraiser, who recognizes its worth. It's actually based on a true story! Check out this link: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-06-22/news/9806220059_1_viola-violin-expert-chicago-symphony-orchestra

So, LOON needed a piano, and Duluth Fine Pianos was able to provide! The piano part was beautifully played by Jeannie Doty. I had to smile to myself, witnessing a blend of opera and piano store and stories. That little rental piano is now developing its own history and story. Maybe someone will write an opera about it someday, too.